Veteran Benefits in Wisconsin

Veteran Benefits & Resources

Veteran Benefits & Resources in Wisconsin

Introduction

Wisconsin is home to more than 300,000 military veterans, supported by a strong network of state programs, VA healthcare systems, and local veteran service organizations. With a long history of service and a well-structured state support system, Wisconsin offers a range of benefits for veterans and their families.

This guide highlights key benefits, healthcare services, and organizations available in Wisconsin so veterans can easily access assistance with education, housing, employment, healthcare, and community support.

Key Veteran Benefits in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit

Wisconsin offers a refundable property tax credit for eligible disabled veterans and surviving spouses. This can effectively offset property tax costs on a primary residence.

Source:
https://dva.wisconsin.gov/Pages/benefitsClaims/PropertyTaxCredit.aspx

Wisconsin GI Bill

Provides full tuition remission for eligible veterans and their dependents at University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Technical College System schools.

Source:
https://dva.wisconsin.gov/Pages/benefitsClaims/WisconsinGI-Bill.aspx

Veteran Employment Preference

Veterans receive preference in Wisconsin state hiring, improving access to public sector jobs.

Source:
https://dpm.wi.gov

Veteran Designation on Wisconsin Driver License

Veterans can add a “Veteran” designation to their Wisconsin driver license or ID.

Source:
https://wisconsindot.gov

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

Provides assistance with VA claims, benefits navigation, and support services across the state.

Source:
https://dva.wisconsin.gov

VA Disability Benefits by Rating in Wisconsin

Understanding how your VA disability rating impacts your benefits can help you take full advantage of both federal VA programs and Wisconsin-specific benefits.

100% Disabled Veterans

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating receive the highest level of support.

In Wisconsin, this includes:

• Eligibility for the Wisconsin Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit, which can fully offset property taxes
• Full federal VA compensation at the highest rate
• Comprehensive VA healthcare at no cost
• Eligibility for CHAMPVA (dependents) and commissary/exchange privileges
• Access to state-level education and financial assistance programs

Wisconsin offers strong financial relief through its refundable property tax credit program.

70% Disabled Veterans

Veterans rated at 70% disability receive strong federal benefits and access to expanded programs.

Key benefits include:

• Higher monthly VA compensation
• Priority access to VA healthcare and specialty services
• Eligibility for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
• Expanded access to mental health and long-term care programs

Some Wisconsin benefits may apply depending on eligibility criteria.

50% Disabled Veterans

At the 50% disability rating, veterans reach an important healthcare threshold.

This includes:

• No-cost VA healthcare for all conditions
• Increased monthly compensation
• Access to a broader range of VA medical services and prescriptions

This level significantly improves access to care.

Lower Ratings (10%–40%)

Veterans with disability ratings between 10% and 40% still receive meaningful benefits, including:

• Monthly tax-free VA compensation
• VA healthcare for service-connected conditions
• Eligibility for Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) programs
• Access to local and state veteran support services

These ratings provide important foundational support.

No matter your rating, working with a Wisconsin Veterans Service Officer can help ensure you’re receiving every benefit you’ve earned and assist with increasing your rating if your condition has worsened.

VA & Healthcare Resources

Wisconsin veterans have access to a strong VA healthcare network.

VA Medical Centers

• William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital – Madison, WI
• Milwaukee VA Medical Center – Milwaukee, WI
• Tomah VA Medical Center – Tomah, WI

These facilities provide primary care, specialty care, mental health services, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Community Clinics

Clinics are located throughout Wisconsin, including Green Bay, Wausau, and Kenosha.

Vet Centers

Provide confidential counseling and transition support.

VA Facility Locator
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

County / Local Veteran Service Offices

Wisconsin veterans can receive assistance from County Veterans Service Officers, who help:

• File VA disability claims
• Access federal and state benefits
• Obtain military service records
• Connect with local resources

https://dva.wisconsin.gov/Pages/benefitsClaims/CVSO.aspx

Veteran Housing & Long-Term Care

Wisconsin Veterans Homes

Wisconsin operates veterans homes providing long-term care services.

• Wisconsin Veterans Home at King – King, WI
• Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove – Union Grove, WI
• Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls – Chippewa Falls, WI

Source:
https://dva.wisconsin.gov